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Membership on the Penn Square Commission shall consist of 11 residents and/or business persons engaged in business in Downtown Reading, at least six of whom shall be residents of the City. At least five such members, if available, shall be members of the Reading Market Association (RMA) or equivalent downtown business organization. At least one such member, if available, shall be a representative of the Chamber of Commerce of Reading and Berks County. All members of the Commission shall be appointed by the Mayor with the approval of Council.
The initial appointment of members serving on the Penn Square Commission shall consist of three members appointed for a term of one year, two of whom shall be representatives of the Chamber of Commerce of Reading and Berks County and Downtown Association of Reading Endeavors; two members appointed for a term of two years; and two members appointed for a term of three years. Thereafter, the representatives from the Chamber of Commerce of Reading and Berks County shall be appointed on an annual basis for one year and the remaining 10 members shall be appointed for a term of two years and shall serve until their successors are appointed. Any vacancy occurring other than by expiration of term shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired term in the manner as provided herein for original appointments.
The members of the Penn Square Commission shall elect their own Chairman and Secretary and shall select all other officers necessary to conduct business, to serve for a term not exceeding the term of their appointment. The Commission shall adopt rules and regulations for its internal organization and procedure and for the conduct of all business within its jurisdiction. The Commission in its discretion may appoint persons to act as advisors to subcommittees appointed by the Commission.
The City shall indemnify and save harmless any officer, director or member of the Penn Square Commission from and against any claims or liabilities (including reasonable attorney fees) on any judgment, decree, fine or penalties imposed on him for any act or omission committed or incurred while acting as such, and reimburse him for all legal and other expenses reasonably incurred by him in defense thereof, at such terms as provided by governing law; provided that there shall be no obligation to reimburse, partially or wholly, such persons for claims or liabilities determined by a court to have constituted willful misconduct or recklessness.
Part 3
Citizen’s Initiative Commission
Citizen’s Initiative Commission
[Adopted 5-22-17 by Ord. 46-2017]
City Council creates a Citizen Initiative Commission to act as a communication vehicle between City government and City residents on City-wide policies and issues related to neighborhood quality of life and economic health programs as well as assisting in an advisory capacity with any other community issues or programs.
The Citizens Initiative Commission shall work to improve the overall effectiveness of local government by:
A. Recommending policy changes to the Administration and legislative recommendations to City Council.
B. Suggesting operational improvements to the Administration.
C. Educating the general public on the mechanics of City government, as well as the status of major issues being addressed by City government.
D. Shall dedicate one session annually to review the Charter.
A. Two members of City Council shall be appointed by City Council as liaisons to the Commission.
B. Three citizens shall be appointed by the Mayor for four-year terms and affirmed by City Council.
C. Six citizens, one citizen nominated by each of the six District Councilors shall be appointed by City Council for four-year terms.
D. Each member shall continue to serve until a successor is duly appointed or until some other formal action is taken by Council.
E. The terms of the initial members shall be staggered, with one member serving a term of one year, one member serving for two years, and one members serving for three years.
F. Members may be appointed to successive terms with no term limits.
G. A simple majority shall constitute a quorum.
H. Any member absent from three consecutive regularly scheduled meetings shall be recommended to Council for formal dismissal.
I. All appointees must have been City residents for a minimum of one year prior to their appointment and they must remain a City resident to remain a viable member of the Citizens Initiative Commission.
A. The Commission will establish their own operational procedures and elect both a Chairman and Vice Chairman to facilitate committee activities.
B. The Chair shall preside at all meetings of the Commission and shall have the duties and powers normally invested in the office of Chair. He or she shall enforce the adopted operational procedures and regulations of the Commission and shall be the official spokesperson for the Commission,
C. The Vice-Chair shall carry out the Chair’s duties in case of absence, incapacity, or resignation.
D. The Commission shall elect a Secretary who will be responsible for keeping the official minutes of the Commission and for preparing all correspondence on behalf of the Commission.
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